Visual and physical comfort for optical innovation
We designed IXI's office, showroom, R&D and engineering spaces. IXI is a fast-growing company that is creating the world's first autofocus glasses redefining how we see the world. Inspired by this, the guiding principle of our interior concept is optics. The space is designed to offer maximal visual and physical comfort. Starting from almost bare concrete spaces, the project involved a renovation with a strong emphasis on material quality and longevity.
IXI Eyewear Oy
Keilaniemi, Espoo, Finland
~1465m²
~80
For high-tech science
Almost bare concrete
The interior concept is subtly present in materials and textures. Glass surfaces, curtains and luminaires create shifting degrees of transparency, moving from open and expressive to controlled and concealed, and reflecting the balance between visibility and precision inherent in optical science. The showroom is designed to showcase IXI's product and retail concept for opticians, while the flexible event lounge allows for larger staff and visitor gatherings. Custom furniture designed by us and crafted by a local carpenter anchors the showroom and wardrobe areas with warmth. The premises also include eye-tracking and UX research facilities, design and engineering workspaces, as well as controlled clean room environments.
Lighting plays a critical role in eyesight, so it became a central focus of the design. Thorough lighting calculations guided design decisions. Low-glare, indirect and diffused light sources dominate the space to reduce visual strain and create a calm atmosphere. Darklight optics allow the light source to be almost invisible, while illuminating brightly yet softly. The interior is designed to feel warm, inviting and inspiring, as a contrast to the technical and sterile nature of optical sciences. High-quality materials and furniture were chosen to ensure durability and longevity. Emphasis was placed on good acoustics to add an extra level of auditory comfort.
Photos by Esa Kapila
